Are you a resident of Texas and suffering from a total disability stopping you from working? If yes, you may qualify to apply for disability in Texas. These are monthly benefits offered by Social Security to help Texans cope with disability and continue to live a quality life.
This article will give you valuable insight into what these social security disability benefits are and how you can apply for disability in Texas. There are 63 SS Administration field offices in Texas. And by the way, medical marijuana is approved for many of the conditions.
Should I apply for SSI or SSDI? Understanding Types of Disability Benefits in Texas
There are two basic types of disability benefits available in the state of Texas. However, in order to determine your eligibility, you must understand these programs by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
This is a need-based disability program. If you have no or low income and have been unable to pay back into the system, this federal program offers extra money for your household, including children.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
If you have worked for many years and paid taxes into the federal system, you may qualify for SSDI disability benefits. You can get these benefits irrespective of your income or assets prior to your disability.
These two options mean that everyone in Texas can get some sort of help from the Texas government. Whether you have been a taxpayer or someone struggling to give back, you can be eligible for one of these disability programs.
What are the Requirements of Total Disability?
Disability is subjective and may refer to different conditions. For example, you may have a disability that may qualify you for disability benefits via the workers’ compensation system. On the other hand, you may have a disability, but it may not meet SSA’s definition for disability.
According to a general definition by SSA, a disability is only qualifying when it prevents you from working and/or earning a certain wage each month. If your disability stops you from engaging in a substantial gaining activity, it falls within SSA’s definition of disability. These include the following
- You have a mental impairment or a physical disability/impairment and you can prove it medically.
- If your disability has lasted for 12 months or you expect it to last 12 months in the future.
- If your disability may cause your death.
Whenever you apply to claim your SSA disability benefits, the Texas Disability Determination Services (DDS) will consider your application. They are going to review all the information you provide in oder to decide whether your disability satisfies the qualifying criteria. If everything seems to be in order, DDS will approve your application to receive disability benefits in Texas.
The Evaluation Process
The DDS follows a five-step evaluation process to review your application for disability benefits in Texas. This sequential process involves the following stages
The Gainful Activity Criteria
They are going to check if you are currently a part of any gainful activity? This means DDS will check if you are currently working and earning a certain amount of money each month. In 2020, anyone earning under $1,260 per month qualified for a disability benefit in Texas.
Anything more than that, and SSA will consider you as someone involved in substantial gainful activity. This means you will not be able to apply for disability in Texas.
The Disability Condition
The SSA is also going to check how severe your disability is. If it stops you from performing the very basic daily tasks, your evaluation will move to the next step. If not, then you will not get approval to receive disability benefits in Texas.
Eligible Impairment
The Social Security Administration has a list of severe impairments that qualify as disabilities. So, only if you have one of the listed impairments or something equivalent, you may be eligible for disability benefits. THESE ARE THE CONDITIONS THAT AUTOMATICALLY QUALIFY.
Ability to Perform Your Previous Work
DDS will check if you will be able to perform the work you were doing before your disability came along. This is known as “residual functional capacity assessment.” If you cannot, DDS will move ahead with your application. If you can perform the old duties, you are not eligible to receive any disability benefits.
Ability to Perform Other Work Activity
DDS checks if you will be able to perform any other duties or work in a different job. However, they will take several other factors into consideration, such as your age, work experience, education, and if you possess any transferable skills.
If you can work in a different job, you will not be able to claim disability. On the other hand, if DDS determines that you will not be able to perform any job duties, your application will go through to the next step of approval.
There are other requirements to qualify for disability in Texas. For instance, you must accumulate at least 40 working credits from the SSA to be eligible for Social Security Disability Income. Additionally, you must have earned half of those credits in the last ten years prior to your disability.
If you are a young adult, this requirement of 40 working credits with SSA may reduce to help you apply for disability in Texas.
How Can I File for Disability in Texas
If you are a Texan suffering from any disability condition and looking for guidance on how to apply for SSA disability benefits, the good news is that you can apply online, in-person, or over the phone. Here is all you need to do.
- You can go online on SSA’s website and apply directly from your home.
- You can apply for disability in Texas over the phone as well. Simply call the Social Security Administration’s customer service at TTY 1-800-325-0778 or 1-800-772-1213
- You can also apply in person, and for that, you will have to visit your nearest Social Security office. You can go online to Social Security Administration website to get the information.
What if I have a Hearing for my Disability in Texas
Texas is one of the largest states in the United States. Therefore, you will find nine appeal hearing offices across Texas. This is to ensure quick resolution and processing of the disability applications submitted by the citizens in need.
To hear any appeals about the disputes between the applicant and DDS, there are 86 assigned administrative judges in courts to handle requests.
Do You Still Want to Work After Disability?
Are you suffering from disability but do not qualify for benefits in Texas? In that case, you may look for a job, and that is where the Texas Department of Assistance and Rehabilitative Services can help. If you are suffering from any debilitating condition, they can assist by offering employment services. This way you will find work and earn some income to continue living a quality life.
To apply for this type of assistance, you will have to contact one of your local VR offices personally. They are going to confirm your disability unless you are already a recipient of SSDI or SSI.
Conclusion
The process to apply for disability in Texas is quite straightforward. Knowing the information mentioned above will help you prepare and use all the right documentation. Determine your eligibility to apply to avoid any last-minute disappointment. If you believe you qualify based on the above information, then simply call, go online or fill out an application form in person to receive your SSI or SSDI benefits in Texas.